Social

You’re going to think I’m crazy, but there are actually a number of reasons to be excited about this series against the Twins. First, it’s an opportunity to take in the Twins’ new ballpark for the first time (for many of us). Second, for those who like interleague play (I do), we’re kicking it back off, and it’s a team we haven’t seen the Cubs play in a while. Third, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing Alfonso Soriano do some DH’ing, and maybe – maybe – seeing Bryan LaHair get a look in left field.

And then the part some of you are going to hate hearing me say: the Cubs are likely to be “battling” the Twins, among other teams, for the worst record in baseball come September. So, I’m not saying I’m rooting against the Cubs this weekend – I just don’t have it in me – but this series is certainly important in that regard.

By way of reminder, the Series Preview hooks you up with what you need to know about every series this year – streaks, broadcast information, pitchers, expected lineups, etc. That way, if you want to check only one place to get a sense about an upcoming series, or to plan ahead, you’ve got it. Oh, and there are pictures of beautiful women, too.

We’re Going Streaking

The Cubs just lost two of three to the Brewers, which, given how things have been going in the last month, actually feels like a small victory.

The Twins have been beset by injuries this year, but also have been mighty terrible. They’ve been hot of late, though, winning three straight series, and seven of their last nine games. Despite being 12 games under .500, they’re just 9.5 out in the AL Central (last place). That’s actually not *definitely* insurmountable.

Game Times and Broadcasts

Friday, June 8 at 7:10 CT on WGN.

Saturday, June 9 at 1:10 CT on CSN.

Sunday, June 10 at 1:10 CT on WGN.

Expected Starters and Lineups

These lineups are likely to be pretty close to what actually gets fielded, but you’ll want to check each day’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the actual lineup.

Twins

Ryan Doumit, C (Joe Mauer has a strained right thumb, but will probably be back at some point this series)

Trevor Plouffe, 1B

Brian Dozier, SS

Alexi Casilla, 2B

Darin Mastroianni, RF

Hot or Not and Whom to Watch

Ryan Dempster finally got a win, though he pretty much had to be perfect to get it. Travis Wood is also coming off a great start, while Jeff Samardzija is coming off one of his rougher outings.

Steve Clevenger is hitting an ugly .174/.174/.217 since coming back from the DL. Dale Sveum has called Clevenger’s bat “slump-proof.” Well, he’s working on a five-game slump, so let’s see.

Bryan LaHair is hot again, going 6 for his last 18 with two bombs.

So, this Scott Diamond fellow has been pitching well. In his six starts this year, the 25-year-old lefty has been dominant, with a 216 ERA+, thanks in large part to the fact that he doesn’t walk anyone. Ever.

Joe Mauer has settled into being a .300/.400/.400 guy, which is fine to have on your team, especially if he can catch. But, unfortunately, at 29, Mauer is starting to lose some time at catcher (he’s started more games this year as 1B and DH (together) than he has at catcher), and he’s going to cost the Twins $23 million per year for the next six years after this one. Hometown heroes are certainly a nice thing, but they aren’t always a cheap or team-friendly thing.

Josh Willingham is 8 for his last 22, and has been killing it for the Twins this year: .286/.408/.573, all far better than his career averages.

Series She-View

The Series She-View is one beautiful woman representing the Cubs taking on another (usually) beautiful woman representing the opponent. The Cubs’ representative will change as the team’s needs change – in other words, if the Cubs are winning, the rep will stay the same. But if the Cubs’ performance calls for a change, someone new will step in. The opponent’s representative will change from series to series, at my whim. But at least she’ll probably be wearing the opponent’s colors or have some connection to the team or something like that. It is immature, and the connection to baseball is tenuous at best. These things, I know.

Since the Cubs didn’t get swept – it’s a low bar these days – Amanda Seyfried gets one more shot. And if you don’t like it, I suggest you take it up with the picture below.

So, for the Twins, I mean, the angle is obvious, right? Twins. But there’s a problem. When you search for twins out there, you get either (1) the Olsen Twins, which just ain’t my thing, or (2) kinda dirty looking pictures of twins, which just ain’t this space’s thing. So, I went as wholesome as I could go – the Doublemint Twins. I’m not entirely sure they’re actually twins. Whateves.

She can stay. But there IS just something about twins. Think I might buy some gum today.

Also, going to all three games. If anyone else is and wants to hit up bars in the warehouse district, let me know!

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Hope it’s a blast. We will await stories.

KyleNovak

A full weekend of baseball, can’t beat it! It would be great to meet up with some other BN’ers, Caleb and I can’t cover all the mischief, can we?

Leroy K.

makes me miss living in Minnesota….

Carew

I get to watch the twins play too! Why must my teams suck, with the exception of the Rays?
Cubbies will always be Number One however!

Papi

At least the twins are repping wrigley’s gum

Carew

This is a good series

this old cub 2

My son & I will be driving up from Iowa tomorrow for the Saturday game.
Looks like we’ll be going up against a very good pitcher (Diamond).
Didn’t know a last place team had such a good starter.
Oh, well, looking forward to the Target Field experience.
Just think: the last time we saw the Twins/Cubs play, Mark Prior was the starter for
Dusty Baker and Boof Bonser beat us.

OK, so after doing a little more digging, that was Game 2 of the Series. The Cubs got swept that series. The Cubs 3 starters were Carlos Marmol (eerie), Mark Prior, and Sean Marshall. The starting lineup for the Cubs was
Pierre CF
Bynum LF
Ramirez 3B
Nevin 1B
Jones RF
Mabry DH
Cedeno SS
Womack 2B
Blanco C

Wow….what a lineup (not…) no reason we lost all 3 games…Horrible

Cubbie Blues

I don’t even remember Marmol ever being a starter (maybe there is a reason for that).

Edwin

I was at that game. I think Prior actually took a no hitter into the 4th or 5th somehow, even though he was pitching like crap.

Leroy K.

he did. Than gave up 2 runs in the 5th on his way to a 3-0 loss.

DocPeterWimsey

You could have used Cersei & Jamie Lannister for the Twins. That would have pleased men, women and geeks all at once!

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

Crud. That would have been clever.

SirCub

I like how geeks are a group separate from men and women.

DocPeterWimsey

Then you’ve been to a Doctor Who convention, too, I take it…..

Leo L

do they lack gender (Androgenous) Or is their gender ambiguous or are they classified as a new gender altogether?

DocPeterWimsey

Well, they are sexless…..

Cubs Dude

Brett or anyone else, what are you putting the odds of Garza getting dealt before the deadline? I say 75%, just a gut feeling he will get dealt.

http://www.bleachernation.com Brett

51% he gets dealt.

TakingWrigleyToSaoPaulo

Think he gets dealt for a couple of reasons:

1) As of right now few sellers; thank you commish for increasing the number of playoff spots in our rebuild year
2) Garza maybe the only pitcher on the market who has had success in the AL East and Toronto, NY and Boston all need pitching.

In short the haul should be substantial and Theo and Jed realize we are more than one piece away.

Cubs Dude

I agree, and think it will be to the AL East too.

Leo L

my gut goes with 75 percent also. i like the east all competting among themselves increasing the odds

Interesting on The Twitters

Beautiful BN Apparel

BN on Video

Post Categories

Site Archives

Get In Touch

Search

Disclaimer

In addition to news, Bleacher Nation publishes both rumor and opinion, as well as information reported by other sources. Information on Bleacher Nation may contain errors or inaccuracies, though we try to avoid them. Links to content and the quotation of material from other news sources are not the responsibility of Bleacher Nation. Photos used either are the property of Bleacher Nation, are used with permission, are fair use, or are believed to be in the public domain. Legitimate requests to remove copyrighted photos not in the public domain will be honored promptly. Comments by third parties are neither sponsored or endorsed by Bleacher Nation.

Bleacher Nation Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Bleacher Nation is a private media site, and it is not affiliated in any way with Major League Baseball or the Chicago Cubs. Neither MLB nor the Chicago Cubs have endorsed, supported, directed, or participated in the creation of the content at this site, or in the creation of the site itself. It's just a media site that happens to cover the Chicago Cubs.

Bleacher Nation is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.